DERMATOLOGICAL PROBLEMS LINKED TO PERFUMES

Perfumes are so much a part of our culture that we take them for granted. However, if they were suddenly taken from us, society would suffer immeasurably. We do pay a price for their service, and part of that concerns dermatological and other medical reactions. Adverse reactions to fragrances in perfumes and in fragranced cosmetic products include allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria), pigmented contact dermatitis and (worsening of) respiratory problems. In this chapter, the issue of allergic contact reactions is discussed. (For a full review of side effects of fragrances [and essential oils] see Ref. [3].) A recent book on beneficial and adverse reactions to fragrances also provides valuable information. The history of fragrances has been well described.